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TheCounter disinformation unit, now known as theNational Security and Online Information Team (NSOIT), leads the UK's governments response tomisinformation anddisinformation. It states that it analyses public available information and does not collect non-public information.[1] The unit was established in 2019.[2] The unit commissioned reports from theArtificial intelligence firm Logically.[3] The unit was run by civil servant, Sarah Connolly.[4]
The CDU states it responds to narratives by rebutting social media posts, flagging posts, or promotion ofpublic health campaigns.[5] The response also included downranking posts.[6]
Prominent critics of theUnited Kingdom responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were monitored by the unit.[3] EpidemiologistCarl Heneghan and tropical disease researcher Alexandre de Figueiredo were monitored by the unit as was Molly Kingsley who ran a campaign to keep schools open during the pandemic.[3] Member of parliament,David Davis had his comments logged by the unit.[4]
In 2023, the unit was renamed the National Security and Online Information Team (NSOIT), and it operates within theDepartment for Science, Innovation and Technology.[7][8] NSOIT has appointed Crisp Thinking to help conduct analysis of social media platforms.[9]
Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said the concept of a central authority determining incorrect information is open to abuse and should be considered carefully.[3]David Davis called for the unit to be shut down and a government investigation initiated.[4]
Ministers have been criticized and questioned over the lack of transparency, however, the information that protected as a matter of national security.[10]
Michelle Donelan reportedly made several attempts to have the unit disbanded during her tenure asSecretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and later at theDepartment for Science, Innovation and Technology, citing concerns about its implications for free speech.[11]
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